CG SubMain Menu

CG SubMain Menu 2

Sposato landscapers cited for bravery, quick response to fire

March 6, 2018

Sposato Landscapers crew members were recognized for their bravery and quick response to a house fire in Georgetown. Shown are (l-r) Mason Alexander, Joel Rivera, Daniel Branham, and Felipe Velasquez. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Four Sposato landscapers were cited for their rapid response to a house fire in The Village of Cinderberry in Georgetown. Their bravery after they saw smoke billowing from a garage earned them recognition from the Georgetown Police Department.

Georgetown Police Lt. John Tyndell said, "Without your guys' quick response, this tragedy would have been much worse. You probably saved a life as well as mitigated a huge property damage. There was a car in the garage that would have burned, as well as newspapers that would have accelerated the fire. Tell your guys 'thank you.'"

Village of Cinderberry President Jack Hickey said, "The action of your people helped prevent an even bigger disaster. Please share with them our deep appreciation for their prompt, responsible action.”

Sposato employees Mason Alexander, Joel Rivera, Daniel Branham and Felipe Velasquez heard one of the burn victims call for help and sprang into action. Two of them ran into the burning house with fire extinguishers and started putting out the fire. They also assisted two burn victims – one of whom died from her burns, and the other who is in critical condition.

The crew, which was edging flower beds in the neighborhood, called 911 and directed the first responders to the scene. They also moved their vehicles out of the way to allow emergency vehicles access to the fire and burn victims.

"We're very proud of these guys," said Sposato Safety Director Jack Hoban. "We constantly train our people in safety procedures. Part of their daily safety check is making sure they have a charged fire extinguisher on board. That training paid off when the emergency arose."